The best camping near Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park adventure.

Retreat into the peaceful mountains of Tennessee at Rocky Fork.  

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Community favorites near Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park

99%
(1321)

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC
Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
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$51
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97%
(139)

Honeysuckle Springs Smoky Mountains

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cosby, TN
Welcome to our beautiful campground nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! This enchanting getaway offers breathtaking mountain views that will leave you in awe. Whether you're a nature lover, an avid stargazer, or a hiking enthusiast, this spot has it all. One of the standout features of our campground is its unbeatable panoramic view of the majestic Smoky Mountains. Imagine waking up to the sight of rolling peaks and vibrant colors painted across the sky as the sun rises. The evenings are equally mesmerizing, with a clear night sky perfect for stargazing. Be prepared to witness a dazzling display of stars that will leave you feeling connected to the universe. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant wildlife surrounding the campsite. Keep your camera ready, as you may spot deer gracefully grazing in the nearby fields or catch a glimpse of a majestic eagle soaring through the skies. It's an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking trails nearby, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains up close. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, you'll find the perfect trail to suit your preferences. We understand the importance of comfort during your experience, which is why we provide a well-maintained bathhouse with hot running water. Freshen up after a day of outdoor activities and relax in the clean and inviting facilities. Convenience is key, and our campground is ideally located near two entrances to the Smoky Mountain National Park. This means you'll have easy access to all the park has to offer, from its picturesque trails to its awe-inspiring waterfalls. Adding to the charm of our campground is its historical significance as an old farm. You'll have the opportunity to explore the charming barns and learn about the area's rich agricultural heritage. It's a glimpse into the past that adds a unique touch to your camping experience. We understand the importance of staying connected, even while surrounded by nature. That's why we provide Wi-Fi access, allowing you to share your adventures with friends and family or simply stay connected to the world if needed. While our campground provides a serene and secluded environment, we are just a short 30-minute drive away from the vibrant towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You'll have the best of both worlds – a peaceful retreat in nature and the option to indulge in the attractions, restaurants, and entertainment that these bustling towns have to offer. Come and experience the beauty, tranquility, and adventure of the Smoky Mountains at our camoground. It's a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for nature's wonders. Please arrive by 9:00 p.m. and observe quiet hours after 10:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m.
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$35
 / night
98%
(22)

Turkey Creek Oasis

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Leicester, NC
STATUS REPORT: totally intact after hurricane. No damage and the land is not flooded. Even RVs can drive to the creek. Attention RV and van-lifers, here's your safe haven! Introducing a brand-new listing, and I'm seeking your assistance in navigating the ins and outs of hosting. Located just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this property sits in a rural, fertile valley, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Encompassing a total of 23 acres, 5 of which are nearly flat and ideal for parking/camping, while the remainder provides excellent hiking opportunities. A charming bubbling creek, a storage barn suitable for construction or running a business, and the promise of future hydro-power with solar and a battery bank by the creek add to the property's appeal. For those parking near the main house, a 120v extension cord is available for power and internet access. Alternatively, if you prefer to park by the creek, please note that there is currently no power, internet, or water available in that area, though plans are underway for hydro-power with solar and a battery bank. IMPORTANT NOTE: heavy rains turn this area into a mess, it can be tricky to get in and out after a big rain. You are welcome to park at the top by the barn and walk down with a tent, but your RV could get stuck, so keep that in mind. Anticipate future offerings with RV power hookups. Presently, the amenities are somewhat rustic, serving as a trial to gauge interest. Composting outhouse is available now!. Rainwater and shallow well water are provided. Looking for a place to park your vehicle while you convert it into your home on wheels? Happy to set that up with power, water, and even a barn in which to work. Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions; your input is appreciated!
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$16
 / night
99%
(1343)

Dark Ridge Hide Out (Adults Only)

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Elk Park, NC
"Adults only" doesn't mean anything other than just "no children", so as to preserve the natural peace and quiet, and assurance that there won't be loud and unruly children on the property. Inquiries and booking requests received after 9: pm may not be answered until the next morning. Dark Ridge Hide Out, is a 20 acre parcel in the Blue Ridge Mountain's on the back side of the Beech Mt Ski Resort in a secluded quiet and safe community with less than a dozen homes in a one mile radius. Away from light and sound pollution. Except for an occasional passing vehicle "and often none at all from 10pm to 6am" all you will hear is the sound of the creek which runs through the lower section by the RV sites, cricket's and frogs at the nearby fish pond and only the light from the moon and star's in the clear mountain sky and fire flies. It is my home place with a tobacco barn and a big combination cattle/tobacco barn built almost entirely just by my Mom and Dad in early 1940"s. My parents and grand parents lived off of the land here and raised cash crops like cabbage, corn and tobacco, we also raised sugar cane and made molasses, we had free range chickens, as many as 50 honey bee hives and over 50 head of cattle, two or three hog's and of course a horse. There was four main fields; two for cow pasture, one meadow to grow hay "now Christmas trees" and the main one on my part where all crops were grown is where the camp sites are. I grew up helping with the crops and other farm chores, one was to go to the pasture and bring the milk cows in and do the milking every day before and after school, feed the hogs and chickens, gather the egg's, let the chickens out in the morning and close the chicken house in the evening to protect them from critters like opossums, raccoons and wildcats. This is where I grew up, my dad grew up and, near where my mother and both of my grandparents grew up. My house was built in 1905 the same year my dad was born. The campsites are on my 20 acre section section of the original 82 acres with the house and barns, the remainder went to my brother but now is out of the family. The section of Elk River with the Compression Falls "45 ft high" and Twisting Falls which is part of Pisgah National Forest is less than two miles from here, and an old logging road going around the mountain above the river for about three miles to another Falls "Elk River Falls, 65 ft high" is a great place to hike or mountain bike. You will be free to explore and hike any part of my property except the house and out building's. The pond's are full of Trout and Blue Gill fish that are like pet's they love little pieces of bread. You can feed the fish but no fishing.
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$20
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99%
(135)

Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

1 site · RV1 acre · Fletcher, NC
Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FIVE EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site.
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$65
 / night
99%
(76)

Bull Mountain Ridge

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Asheville, NC
The site's first appeal is the amazing view of Bull Mountain Ridge. Beautiful all year long, but particularly in late October when the leaves are in their richest colors. The site is roomy for small to mid-sized RVs and offers a private water hook-up, 30 amp, and 20 amp power outlets. It feels private and tucked away, but is very accessible to all of what the Asheville area has to offer. Downtown is a 15 minute drive; ride services and shuttles* are both easy to secure and quite affordable. Additional parking is available for a fee. The backdrop of the site is forested and easy to relax in - the understory is maintained for guest use, providing cooling shade with a stunning view. I usually try to say hello to folks and make sure they get settled in alright, but let me know if you'd prefer just to come in and have privacy. Don't feel the need to come to the house unless you can't get a hold of me via text and you need assistance. I may not be available when you arrive, but I'll try to get back in touch with you as soon as I'm able. *If I am available, I can offer boat, bike, and hike shuttling for a fee. I also have a one-person kayak, and a two-person canoe that are usually available and camping gear. Contact me beforehand if you are interested in renting any of these items. **Please be aware that this section of North Carolina has a particularly large population of American black bears. Any food stuffs, or other "smell-ables" will potentially attract bears. Refer to: https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsafetyfood.htm ...for proper treatment of potential attractants.
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$34.40
 / night
97%
(102)

Appalachian Pond Campground

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Waynesville, NC
Get back to nature at this incredible private campground nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina! This tranquil campground offers a peaceful place to unwind while listening to the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best! There are 11 unique and cozy campsites to choose from as well as a shower and portable potties. This campground has a pond for fishing and swimming, a creek running along the campsites and is surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful foliage and wildlife! Prepare to have the most peaceful sleep under the glorious celestial stars of Western North Carolina! *We also have a sink for dishes alongside the shower house as well as a drinkable well water spicket in the back of the campground! *We are also located close to stores for your convenience as well as many nearby attractions! * Please contact us regarding pets before booking… *We recommend checking in before 10 pm…. The property gets really dark and hard to navigate at night without being shown where to go! If for any reason you will be getting here later please inform us upon booking so we can plan for your arrival! *During the months from November to April we cannot guarantee our shower will be operational due to freezing temperatures. However, during warm periods during those months we do have our shower available. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and return to the simplicity of nature this is your spot! We hope to see you soon!!
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$27
 / night
98%
(280)

CreekStone in Candler, NC

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Candler, NC
Awesome 360° Mountain Views at CreekStone’s three VISTA360 campsites for small to large RV’s/campers, a tiny home and two tent camping spaces in Candler, North Carolina. Enjoy the mountains and lots of space to roam, hike, pitch horseshoe, enjoy fires in fire pit or simply relax and enjoy the views. All three of the RV/camper spaces have both 30/50 amp electrical power, sewer and water hookup. The tent camping space has toilet facilities, access to water and trash disposal. The tiny home accommodates 2-3 people - perfect for those who want to be close to their camping friends/families but don’t have campers. This property was my childhood home and after retiring, my husband and I moved back to one of the homes on this farm where I grew up. He has since passed and my son, Todd, now helps me maintain the property and assists with ensuring the best experience for our guests. We wanted to offer this space for campers to share the awesome views and this part of North Carolina with others who enjoy nature, outdoors, and all the great things to experience in the surrounding towns. Only a 20 minute drive to Asheville where you can tour Biltmore House, Grove Park, breweries, eat at many great restaurants, enjoy rafting, zip lining and many other outdoor activities. We are 15 minutes from Blue Ridge Parkway with 2-lane, less traveled access road to get there. Bring your bikes and hiking equipment - plenty of room to ride and roam. The old red barn on property has been restored and offers relaxation loft for your enjoyment.
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$25
 / night
99%
(393)

TangleWood Creekside Campsites

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Marion, NC
A rocky creek winds through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.
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$40
 / night

The best camping near Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park guide

Overview

About

Located near the Cherokee National Forest and the Appalachian Trail, Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Visitors can go hiking along old beds or explore them on a mountain bike, while anglers can enjoy fishing for both white and black crappie in Rocky Fork and South Indian creeks. At the same time, rock climbers can conquer the impressive quartzite cliffs towering over 200 feet. Backpackers are also in luck—Rocky Fork camping means hiking out to one of the three primitive backcountry campsites, each of which is limited to for people. If you’re looking for a mountainous getaway along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, look no further than Rocky Fork State Park.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for veggie lovers: Mountain Cove Farm is happy to share their garden produce with guests.
  • Best for glamping: Bee Our Guest offers a covered dome with a cozy bed and other amenities. 
  • Best for history buffs: Stay in the Root Cellar Tiny House on a historic tobacco farm that dates back to the 1890s.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve the park's three backcountry, primitive campsites in advance via the Tennessee State Parks website. Reservations are available all year round.
  2. Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance.
  3. Because there are only three sites, reservations can be challenging to get. So book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends.

When to go

Experience Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park's weather at its best from March until May and from September to early November. At that time, temperatures range from the upper 50s to mid-70s and are perfect for outdoor exploration. Spring brings vibrant blooms and green trees, while fall dazzles with colorful foliage. Summer allows for easy camping and hiking, but be prepared for occasional hot and humid days. Winters in this mountainous location can be cold with the possibility of snow.

Know before you go

  • Rocky Fork State Park sits about 30 minutes from Johnson City, TN, and Asheville, NC. 
  • The park features a visitor center, picnic shelters, and a playground.
  • Carpooling to Rocky Fork is recommended since the parking area is small with limited spaces.

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